Scheduled for June 5th, the Nintendo Switch 2 will not allow players to use their traditional microSD cards to expand the console's 256GB storage capacity. Nintendo is moving up a gear, specifically microSD Express. But is it really necessary to pay? Where can you find microSD Express cards in the wild? How can you tell them apart from traditional microSD cards? This guide tells you how to choose the right microSD Express card.
What is microSD Express for Nintendo Switch 2?
During its latest Nintendo Direct dedicated to the Switch 2, Nintendo explained that only microSD Express cards can be used to expand the console's storage space. These memory cards, introduced in 2019 by the SD Association, are simply the evolution of classic microSD cards. They integrate technologies like NVMe and PCIe and offer higher read and write speeds than their predecessors, up to 900 MB/s read, and 600 MB/s write for certain models.
Why a microSD Express for the Nintendo Switch 2?
By increasing the read and write speed of its Switch 2, Nintendo is fully exploiting the power of its console. In addition, microSD Express cards reduce loading times, but also transfer speeds. Transferring your games has never been faster. Incidentally, forcing players to switch to microSD Express cards allows Nintendo to direct them to its licensed microSD Express cards for Nintendo Switch 2. As you can see, you're not done paying.
Where to buy a microSD Express for Nintendo Switch 2?
A question with a simple answer: almost everywhere. On its website, Nintendo indicates that its licensed microSD Express cards for Nintendo Switch 2 "will be available for purchase at Nintendo game retailers." Many retailers are concerned, whether you prefer to shop at Amazon or Micromania, Leclerc or Carrefour, Fnac or your local specialty store, microSD Express cards can be found absolutely everywhere.
How to recognize a classic microSD from a microSD Express for Nintendo Switch 2?
As Nintendo cleverly mentioned during its Nintendo Direct dedicated to the Nintendo Switch 2, microSD Express cards are distinguished from classic microSD cards thanks to the enormous "EX" visible to the right of "microSD". So you have no excuse not to tell them apart; a good eye is enough. Just wait until your first coffee of the day or until you've turned on the light to try this exercise.
MicroSD Express 128 GB or 256 GB for your Nintendo Switch 2?
With its 256 GB of internal memory, the Nintendo Switch 2 has 8 times the capacity of the Nintendo Switch. To know whether you need to expand the storage space of Nintendo Switch 2 by 128 GB or 256 GB, you still need to define your needs. The size of certain Nintendo games has already been shared, giving an idea of the storage space required by different types of players. We know that:
- Mario Kart World will weigh 23.4 GB;
- Donkey Kong Bananza will weigh 10 GB;
- Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will weigh 7.7 GB;
- Kirby and the Forgotten World Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will weigh 5.7 GB;
- Nintendo Gamecube – Nintendo Classics will weigh 3.5 GB.
Nintendo Switch 2 games remain relatively light (we see you Call of Duty and others Red Dead Redemption II), justifying the purchase of a 128 GB or 256 GB microSD Express will mainly depend on your needs. Casual gamers will probably not have No need to invest in a microSD Express, as the Nintendo Switch 2 can hold just over ten Mario Kart World cards.
Is the microSD Express for Nintendo Switch 2 compatible with other devices?
Can a microSD Express be used by devices other than the Nintendo Switch 2? Of course. A microSD Express can be used with your digital camera, Steam Deck, smartphone, tablet, etc. Its uses are numerous; you don't have to limit it to a Nintendo Switch 2. You can even use one for different devices. Depending on your uses, you can simply switch it from one device to another. Useful, practical, and above all, economical.
What are the best microSD Express cards for the Switch?
There are many microSD Express cards on the subject. Besides their manufacturer, it's mainly their capacity and performance that differentiates them. To make things easier for you, know that three giants dominate the sector: Samsung, Lexar, and SanDisk. Nintendo Switch 2-compatible microSD Express cards with broadly similar performance. On Amazon, it is possible to find a 256 GB microSD Express for:
- €70.99 from SanDisk (880/480 MB/s for read and write speeds);
- €99.99 from Lexar (900/600 MB/s for read and write speeds);
Note that Samsung and SanDisk microSD Express cards in Nintendo colors are already available for pre-order. You will have to go by Fnac or Micromania to get them.
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